Water levels in the Singur, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Yellampalli reservoirs are decreasing faster compared to last year. The Singur reservoir currently has 18 tmc ft of water, down from 20 tmc ft last year, with an installed capacity of 29 tmc ft. Nagarjuna Sagar’s water level has dropped to 137 tmc ft from 166 tmc ft last year, with a total capacity of 312 tmc ft. Yellampalli’s water level is at 7.87 tmc ft, down from 12 tmc ft last year, with a total capacity of 20 tmc ft.
The State government is facing a difficult situation regarding water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes as reservoir levels are lower than last year. This could lead to a water scarcity situation similar to what Bengaluru is currently experiencing, according to experts. The water resources available may only be sufficient for this month.
The decrease in water levels is mainly seen in the Singur, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Yellampalli reservoirs. The government has developed an action plan to utilize the available water resources judiciously for drinking water needs. However, there is pressure to supply water to cities like Hyderabad, Karimnagar, and Warangal while also meeting the irrigation needs of farmers.
The government is releasing water from the Gayatri pump house under Kaleshwaram for irrigation purposes and from Yellampalli based on irrigation needs. The challenges faced include criticism from opposition parties regarding the allocation of water resources and damages to projects like Medigadda and Annaram due to the alleged Kaleshwaram scam.
Some districts, such as Karimnagar, Warangal, and Medak, are experiencing high water scarcity in the current summer season, affecting standing crops. South Telangana districts are also grappling with drought conditions due to water shortages in the Krishna basin reservoirs. The government is working to find solutions to address both irrigation and drinking water needs during this challenging situation.
